The Sacramento Kings’ highly anticipated new era with Zach LaVine began with a thud as the Orlando Magic dominated in a 130-111 victory at the Golden 1 Center. Despite the initial buzz and excitement surrounding LaVine’s debut, the Kings struggled to find their footing, particularly in the second half.
LaVine’s first game in a Kings uniform was underwhelming, as he scored just 13 points on 4-of-13 shooting, including 0-for-4 from beyond the arc. While it’s just one game, the Kings’ offensive woes were evident, with the ball movement lacking and isolation plays becoming too frequent.
Defensively, the Kings continued to struggle, a problem that has plagued the team for years. The Magic, despite being the worst three-point shooting team in the NBA, torched Sacramento from deep, hitting 16-of-31 (51.6%) from three-point range. This isn’t a new issue for the Kings, as they allowed the Magic to shoot 56.8% from three in their matchup last season.
The absence of De’Aaron Fox’s penetrating ability was noticeable, putting more pressure on Malik Monk to facilitate the offense. When Monk got into foul trouble, playing only four minutes in the second half, the Kings’ offense sputtered. It’s becoming clear that Monk’s role as the primary facilitator is crucial to the team’s success.
Interim head coach Doug Christie acknowledged the team’s defensive struggles, emphasizing the need for more effort and urgency in contesting shots and securing rebounds. The Kings have allowed over 130 points in multiple games under Christie’s tenure, highlighting the ongoing defensive issues.
While the addition of Jonas Valančiūnas through a trade with the New Orleans Pelicans should help bolster the Kings’ interior presence, it’s clear that perimeter defense remains a significant concern. The Kings will need to find ways to address this issue if they hope to remain competitive in the tight Western Conference playoff race.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Kings’ struggles and potential solutions, tune into the Locked On Kings podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Kings Podcast:
• Analysis of the Jonas Valančiūnas trade and its potential impact
• Upcoming NBA trade deadline moves and rumors
• Preview of the Kings’ next game against the Portland Trail Blazers
